Kochkor

Felt production crafts center of Kyrgyzstan

The Kochkor village (Kochkorka) is located on the north of the Naryn region in Kyrgyzstan, about 220 kilometers from Bishkek, 110 kilometers from the picturesque Son-Kol Lake, and 310 kilometers from the Kyrhyzstan-China border point “Torugart”. In this village, you can get a taste of some unique local foods, take part in a felt goods practical workshop or try to set up a real yurt. You can also watch a colorful folk show and national games, listen to the traditional live folk music, and ride a horse. 

The Great Silk Road used to lie through the green oasis of the Kochkor valley. Caravans traveling from Chinese Kashgar to Uzgen and Osh used to make stops here.

All authentic traditions of felt craft have been fully preserved in this beautiful region surrounded by the majestic Tian-Shan mountains. Felt is made of sheep wool, is fully ecological and is incredibly convenient as a household tool for all nomads: this durable material is breathable, does not catch fire and has low thermal conductivity. Felt is used to produce the covers for yurts and for colorful national rugs – shirdaks. Creating and decorating shirdaks is one of the most complicated national Kyrgyz crafts; it is even included in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage and its secrets are passed on from one generation to another.

Each region is characterized by their own technical and artistic felting techniques, special colors, and ornaments in their goods. Many national hats and other items such as caps, saddle pads, bags, toys, and various souvenirs are typically made of felt.

In Kochkor, you can get to experience the festival of felt where guests can have a closer look at the Kyrgyz culture and customs, take part in a wool felting workshop, felt making and the art of creating colored patterns. You can also buy some of these original hand-made goods. Kochkor is a perfect spot to start walking and hiking tours, as well as cycling tours; for example, to the Ukok or Sok-Kol lakes where in the summer you get to see beautiful grasslands – Jailoo.

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